Do buildings & estates offices in Irsh third level institutions operate & provide value to project management offices

Irish third level institutions are faced with the challenge of managing projects with the increasing constraints of the economic climate. Most research on PMOs has focused on private organizations with existing PMO structures. Little research has considered PMOs in government organizations and specifically Irish third level institutions. This study examines the Buildings and Estates Offices of two of the seven institutions in Ireland to confirm whether these offices are operating as PMOs and what the value of these offices is. The study provides an insight and greater understanding of PMOs in the Irish third level sector. Interviews were conducted with informants from two institutions. The findings are presented in two case studies. The study found that Buildings and Estates Offices in third level institutions are operating as PMOs and that their value is measured by the delivery of capital projects, management of the project process and oversight of ongoing projects on behalf of the institution. The study contributes to the gap in research in PMOs in the government / public sector and particularly PMOs in the Irish third level sector context.